38. Music and copyright: SIAE licences for your event in Italy

Updated on 24 September 2026 - by the Play the Event editorial team. The official sources quoted here were read on 24 September 2026, and the amounts are the 2026 SIAE rates: check them again every year.

Important notice. This article is a general guide, not legal or tax advice. The amounts depend on the type of event, capacity, takings and any sector agreements. For your specific case, contact your local SIAE office or an accountant.

This guide is about events held in Italy. SIAE is the Italian authors' and publishers' society; some of the linked official sources are available in Italian only.

Music needs its own licence, even when entry is free

If your event uses protected music, live or recorded, you need a copyright licence. This applies even when entry is free and even when the event has no ticketing obligations: SIAE has specific rates both for free concerts and for private parties.

It is a separate obligation from tax-valid tickets, which are explained in our guide Tickets and SIAE in Italy: when an event is subject to the rules and how to sell tickets.

Who has to apply

The organiser applies for the licence. SIAE's general conditions say so explicitly: the holder of the licence is the organiser of the event (SIAE, conditions of the licence for shows and entertainment). Applications come from event organisers, venue managers and businesses open to the public (SIAE, "SIAE e Soundreef" page).

SIAE or Soundreef?

For music, organisers in Italy deal with two rights management organisations, SIAE and Soundreef. SIAE explains that organisers should check which repertoire the songs they plan to use belong to, and apply for a licence from whoever manages them (SIAE and Soundreef). If you use songs from both repertoires, you may need two licences.

Recorded music: neighbouring rights too

When the music is recorded, neighbouring rights for record producers and performers are due on top of copyright (SIAE, concerts, music festivals, dance shows).

What it costs: some examples at the 2026 SIAE rates

The amounts below are examples published by SIAE, not a quote. What you pay depends on your specific case.

Private parties

For parties such as a graduation, a christening or an anniversary, SIAE publishes fixed amounts, VAT included (SIAE, other parties):

Type of music	Up to 200 people	Over 200 people
Live music	€139.78	€207.78
Recorded music	€186.54	€285.63

You apply through SIAE's private parties portal (Portale Feste Private) or at a SIAE office. Corporate private events need a different licence (same source).

Free concerts

For free-entry concerts of pop, jazz, bands, choirs and folk music, the 2026 SIAE rate sets fixed fees that rise with capacity or attendance: from €146.35 for up to 100 people to €1,924.65 for 5,001 to 8,000, plus €345.90 for every 1,000 people above 8,000. Amounts are net of VAT (SIAE, 2026 rates for pop, jazz, band, choir and folk concerts).

Paid concerts

For the same concerts with paid entry, the 2026 SIAE rate is 10% of a calculation base, with a minimum ranging from €110.30 to €1,443.10 depending on capacity, plus €259.10 for every 1,000 people above 8,000, net of VAT (same source). The calculation base includes:

• 100% of ticket takings, net of taxes;
• 50% of food and drink, sponsorships and grants;
• other items listed in the rate sheet.

There is a useful difference for booking fees: if you handle advance sales yourself, they count in full; if a third party handles them, only the part above 15% of the ticket price counts (same source).

Dedicated rates

SIAE has dedicated rates for pro loco (local tourism associations), clubs, parishes and other sector agreements (same source, "Rinvio" section). If you are one of these, ask your SIAE office which rate applies to you.

The music programme

As part of the licence, the organiser declares the songs actually performed at the event (SIAE, specific conditions of the licence for shows and entertainment). It pays to ask performers and DJs for their setlist before the event and to keep it up to date.

Watch who takes the money

The general conditions of the licence treat anyone who receives income linked to putting on the event as a co-organiser, and state that organiser and co-organiser are jointly liable for payment (same source). If you organise with others, for example a venue or a sponsor that takes a share, put in writing who applies for the licence and who pays.

How to apply

You apply through SIAE's online portals, such as the Portale Organizzatori Professionali or Music&Go, or at a local office (SIAE, concerts, music festivals, dance shows). The pages we consulted do not state how far in advance to apply: ask your SIAE office and start well before the event.

How it works with Play the Event

Play the Event does not apply for SIAE licences on your behalf and does not manage copyright or performers' rights: these are the organiser's responsibility. You can use Play the Event to keep the rest of your event in order, and add the licence application and the setlist collection to your to-do list.

A checklist before the event

1. Will there be music? Live, recorded or both?
2. Which repertoire do the songs belong to: SIAE, Soundreef or other?
3. What kind of event is it: private party, corporate party, free concert, paid concert?
4. How many places or people do you expect?
5. Do you qualify for a dedicated rate (pro loco, club, parish)?
6. Who else takes money from the event? Is it clear in writing who applies for the licence?
7. Do you have the setlist to declare?

With these answers, your local SIAE office can tell you which licence you need and what it costs.